[Paddlewise] Quick correction after being Knocked sideways...... was "A Lollypopsicle Day on the Water"

Steve wrote: -
>We did have a few problems launching because there
>was a very strong rip current on the beach and as
>soon as you got your boat to start floating, you
>were sideways.. Peter got turned around several
>times and decided to finally launch backwards.

G'Day Steve,

Nice description, got me wondering if being knocked sideways in shore
dumping surf is a common problem.

Larry Gray taught us how to turn our boats back into the waves within 2 or 3
seconds of being knocked sideways without getting out of the kayak. The
method is carried out while the boat is partly on the sand, and partly in
the water. The technique is to edge the boat onto one side on the sand,
while using the paddle as a "walking stick" support at about 45 degrees on
the kayak's other side, to help support the edge. Its then very easy to turn
the boat into the waves by swinging your legs and abdomen inside the boat.

It needs a bit of practice in easy conditions before trying it for real.

If you adopt this method and launch from shelly beaches you might want to
stick protection pads on the side of your boat where it would swivel in the
sand/water slurry, to protect the gelcoat. Sandy beaches not a problem.

All the best, PeterO
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